If you’re a guy and you haven’t seen a doctor in a while, you’re not alone. But there are key tests you may need for good health.
Tests you may need now:
- Blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Untreated, it can cause kidney and vision problems, and erectile dysfunction. “Even dangerously high cholesterol can have no symptoms,” says Dr. Germany. However, it contributes to harmful plaque buildup in your arteries, putting you at risk for a cardiac event.
- Diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes (too-high blood sugar levels) affects vision, kidney function, and neurologic function. It inhibits circulation, which often leads to infections and, in the worst cases, the loss of fingers and toes or even limbs.
- Prostate cancer. While there’s no standard age that men should get prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, men should talk to a healthcare provider about their individual risk.
“Knowing is empowering. The earlier we know, the more treatment options we have,” says Dr. Germany.
- Mental health. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder often go untreated and can impact physical health.
Other health screenings to ask your provider about
- Digestive health
- Glaucoma and vision
- Heart health
- Kidney health
- Oral health
- Urinary tract health
